We must address issues of poor water quality

SEEING photographs (ODT, 22.2.21) of dead fish in Kaikorai Stream and estuary has been a regular and sad spectacle for decades.

That this small stream is so mistreated during its short journey from the hills around Dunedin to the estuary near Waldronville is a disgrace that reflects badly on both the Dunedin City and Otago Regional councils.

What hope can we have that the wider issues of poor water quality will be addressed when the authorities who are supposed to care about these matters on our behalf appear unable to save this little gem, right on our doorstep?

We need a plan from the ORC that will show how the health of this stream can be restored, and protected into the future.

If we accept lousy water quality in places like Dunedin, how can we expect the farming community to do their bit in the important task of cleaning up our rivers?

Dougal Rillstone

Maori Hill

Treaty partnership

I HAVE been waiting for a response from Dame Claudia Orange to Bruce Mason (Letters, 29.1.21). Mr Mason refutes Dame Claudia’s assertion of ‘‘the genuine partnership the Treaty was meant to be from the beginning”.

‘‘Is there or is there not a ‘partnership’ between Maori and the Crown’’ is possibly the most crucial public policy issue facing New Zealand.

As Dame Claudia is widely acclaimed for her grasp of Treaty history, with a major role in advising Government and educators, it behoves her to substantiate her assertions.

Brian Chalmers

Ocean View

[This letter was sent to Dame Claudia Orange but she declined to respond. — Ed.]

Hospital stay

I RECENTLY spent a short stay at emergency and the Dunedin Hospital and I wish to record that I received topclass treatment from the medical, nursing and kitchen staff, and the St John ambulance team. I am very appreciative of the service provided together with their care and consideration.

W. Nelson

Dunedin